Educational Philosophy

First, I think it is important to say that all students have the potential to learn and should be given the opportunity to learn in the style best suited to their needs.  With that in mind, I believe that the performing arts are integral to any liberal arts program, not just for those wishing to pursue a career in the arts, but for all students exposed to art studies through general curricula.  The liberal and performing arts give students the opportunity to hone their communication, critical, and problem solving skills.  Technical theatre can promote organizational skills, teamwork, and the ability to set and meet goals.  Theatre requires not only practical skills and knowledge, but also intellectual training to provide a student with an understanding of how the arts are reflective of and affected by political, social, and historical events.  The knowledge of these events and their respective time periods can make history come alive, thus influencing not merely an artistic endeavor, but also a student’s view of the world.  It is always my goal to help students expand their knowledge of world theatre, in addition to all other forms of performing and liberal arts.

I believe in teaching theory to students and allowing them to practice using various hands-on methods.  There are many ways to accomplish a project, and it is my goal to give students a background in many methods thereby allowing them an array of options when necessary to find the method best suited to the task at hand. 
Technology is an important aspect of my educational philosophy.  In a world where computers are the leading tools of the industry, it is important to introduce this subject to all technical and design students.     Students should be introduced to all forms of entertainment as viable outlets for their creativity.  These forms include television, movies, industrials, and theme parks, just to name a few.  I find contact with working artists/technicians to be an indispensable tool for allowing students to further their education.  Internships is an integral part of a technical theatre education and can allow students to experience life in the professional world.  I have a strong commitment to connecting the students with professionals through internships to further their working knowledge of technical theatre and design.  By providing the students the necessary skills and theory required, their interest will be piqued and their devotion to their craft will grant them the fortitude and desire to continue to learn and hone their skills for the rest of their careers. 
 
To close, I would like to stress my philosophy regarding the preparation of the students to continue their education, either by moving on to a four-year institution or other training ground.  I hope that by providing the students the necessary skills, experience and theory required for a technical/design degree, their interest will be piqued and their devotion to their craft will grant them the fortitude and desire to continue to learn and hone their skills for the rest of their careers.